Brisbane left to rue lost talent
AFL: Elliot Yeo is the one who cuts deepest.
Four ex-Lions players will be running around the MCG today, two for West Coast and two for Collingwood.
Yeo (pictured) is second in betting to win the Norm Smith Medal (at $9), behind Brownlow Medal runner-up Steele Sidebottom ($7), after another superb season for the Eagles.
At 24, Yeo is no longer a utility filling gaps in defence or forward, but a midfield superstar. He’s averaged 24 disposals this season, including a career-high 13 contested.
The West Australian spent two years at Brisbane before being released to go home.
“We always knew Elliot Yeo was a star,” former Lions teammate Jonathan Brown said.
“It’s actually frustrating, to be honest. Those two boys are over there playing for the Eagles (and) they should still be playing for the Lions.”
The other is Jack Redden, who needed a fresh start after seven seasons in Brisbane.
In career-best form after two mediocre years at West Coast, Redden is averaging 25 disposals and has collected hauls of 31 and 32 in the Eagles’ finals wins over Collingwood and Melbourne.
“Jack’s flourished since (Sam) Mitchell and (Matt) Priddis retired,” Brown said.
“Ironically, Sam’s his midfield coach now and has had a huge impact on him.”
In black and white will be Jack Crisp and James Aish.
Part of the deal to get Queenslander Dayne Beams home to Brisbane, 24-year-old Crisp hasn’t missed a game for the Pies in his four years there.
He played arguably his best game last week against the Tigers last week, gathering 30 touches.
“Jack Crisp is the best set of steak knives you will ever see,” Brown said referring to the trade package.
“Not enough people in Brisbane rated him as they needed to ... and Aishy has done well this finals series.”